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B8292 ernatlonal Copyrighted (in England, her Colonies 

^ 1 states) Edition of the Works of the Best Authors 

Copy 1 



No. 415 



GRACIE 

A Comedy in One Act 






BESSIE SPEINGER BEEENE 



Copyright,. 1921, by Samuel French 



PRICE 30 CENTS 



A 

BY :l 

X 
X 
X 



♦ Amateurs May Produce This Play Without Pay- % 
% ment Of Royalty. All Other Rights % 



Reserved !|! 



•♦* New Youk 

S SAMUEL FRENCH 

,♦! rUBLISIIEB 

):* 28 — 30 West 38th Street 



LONDOJ* ,t, 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. ♦ 

2G Southampton Stbeet ♦;• 

STRAND A 



BILLETED. 

A comedy in 3 acts, by F. Tertnison Jesse and H. Harwood. 4 
males, 5 females. One easy interior scene. A charming comedy, 
constructed with uncommon skill, and abounds with clever lines. 
Margaret Anglin s big success. Amateurs will find this comedy^ easy 
to produce and popular with all audiences. Price, 60 Cents. 

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. 

A comedy in 3 acts. By James Montgomery. 5 males, 6 females. 
Costumes, modern. Two interior scenes. Plays 254 hours. 

Is it possible to tell the absolute truth — even for twenty-four hours? 
It is — at least Bob Bennett, the hero of "Nothing But the Truth," 
accomplished the feat. The bet he made with his_ business partners, 
and the trouble he got into — with his partners, his friends, and his 
fiancee — this is the subject of William Collier's tremendous comedy 
hit. "Nothing But the Truth" can be whole-heartedly recommended 
as one of the most sprightly, amusing and popular comedies that this 
country can boast. Price, 60 Cents. 

IN WALKED JIMMY. 

A comedy in 4 acts, by Minnie Z. Jaffa. 10 males, 2 females (al- 
though any number of males and females may be used as clerks, 
etc.). Two interior scenes. Costumes, modern. Plays 2^4 hours. 
The thing into which Jimmy walked was a broken-down shoe factory, 
when the clerks had all been fired, and when the proprietor was in 
serious contemplation of suicide. 

Jimmy, nothing else but plain Jimmy, would have been a mysterious 
figure had it not been for his matter-of-fact manner, his smile and 
his everlasting humanness. He put the shoe business on its feet, won 
the heart of the girl clerk, saved her erring brother from jail, escaped 
that place as a permanent boarding^ house himself, and foiled the 
villain. 

Clean, wholesome comedy with just a touch of human nature, just 
a dash of excitement and more than a little bit of true philosophy 
make "In Walked Jimmy" en" i f the nio'^t delightful of plays. 
Jimmy is full of the religion of life, the religion of happiness and 
the religion of helpfulness, and he fo permeates the atmosphere with 
his "religion" that everyone is hanpy. The spirit of optimism, good 
cheer, and hearty laughter dominates the plav. There is not a dull 
moment in any of the four acts. We strongly recommend it. 

Price, 60 Cents. 



MARTHA BY-THE-DAY. 

An optimistic comedy in three acts, by Julie M. Lippmann, author 
of the "Martha" stories. 5 males, 5 females. Three interior scenes. 
Costumes modern. Plays 2J^ hours. 

It is altogether a gentle thing, this play. It is full of quaint bu- 
rner, old-fashioned, homely sentiment, the kind that people who see 
the play will recall and chuckle over to-morrow and the next day. 

M'ss Lippmann has herself adapted her very successful book for 
stage service, and in doing this has selected from her novel the most 
telling incidents, infectious comedy rnd homely sentiment for the 
play, and the result is thoroughly delightful. Price, 60 Cents. 

(The Above Ar^ Subject to Royalty When Produced) 
SAMUKL FRHNCH, 2S.30 West 38th Street, New York City 

He-.v ivA [:tp:ic:t fescriotive Catalogue Mailed Free on ReqiiW 



GRACIE 



A Comedy in One Act 



Bt 



BESSIE SPRINGES BREENB 



Copyright, 1921, by Samuel French 



Amateurs may produce this play without paj*- 
ment of royalty. All other rights reserved. 



New Yokk 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

JS-30 WEST 38th Stkeet 

FT7BLISH£B 



SAMUEL FRENCH. Ltd 

26 SOUTHAXPTOH SOOOn 

STRAND 

London 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

(In the order in which they speak) 

*Yuck" Evans A Senior. 

'^is" Nelson A Senior. 

*13ucky" Lane ; A Sophomore. 

IjOUie Grace Martin, ("Gracie") A Freshman 

Dick Lester A Senior. 

'f)uD" Elliott A "Grad'\ 

2 



*CI.D 59 J If; 



4f92( 

TMP92-008693 



^ 



' ^1 GRAOIE 



Scene -.-Sitting room of Puck, Bis and Duckt's 
rooms at college. 

Time :-Mid-afternoon in October. 

A typical college room zvith many pennants and pic- 
tures on the walls, many pillows on the couch^ 
and tennis rackets golf sticks and base ball 
bats stacked in the corners. At r. c. two win- 
dowSy curtained in white and with shades up 
to the top. At R. a fire-place, with a fire. In 
front a couch. On the mantle, a clock and 
many pipes and steins. Down r. a fable with 
a student lamp, books and papers on it and 
behind a chair. Down left a flat top desk also 
littered with papers, and having a telephone 
book, telephone and a lamp on it. Near by, a 
wastebasket with papers in it. Behind th 
desk another arm chair. Other chairs are 
about the room. At left a book case, with 
books and under window, a seat piled with 
pillows. At L. c. a door to outside hall, and 
near it a hat rack loaded with hats, caps and 
coats. There is a door right and left, leading 
to bedrooms. The light is that of a mid after- 
noon in October. As the curtain rises. Puck 
and Bis are discovered. Bis at table, Puck at 
desk, both study. Both are clean cut, college 
boy types. 
Puck. What do you get on that third "Calc" 

problem, Bis? 

Bis. (Nose in book) Not a thing. 
3 



4 GRACIE 

Puck. (Returning to his book) Same here 
(Pause) Gk)sh! I miss old "Lady" Clayton. 

Bis. It sure is a crime he can't come back. Fin- 
ancial difficulties, isn't it? 

Puck. (Gesticulating with pencil) Yep, and 
believe m^, we're falcing financial difficulties too, if 
wc don't get a fourth fellow in here with us to 
take lady's place. We can't pay for these rooms 
on our allowances, with only three of us to stand 
the strain. We'll be broke all the time if we try 
to. 

Bis. (Gloomily) We need another fellow all 
right, but where will we get him? 

Pucr. Well I told 'em down at the Union that 
if a bird ambled in there looking for a room, to 
send him up here, cause we had some space, but 
nobody's turned up. 

Bis. It's too late Puck. Everybody's got rooms 
by now — 

Puck. That's the trouble. Oh well — ('Studies'^ 

Bis. How about Dick Lester? 

Puck. The senior that's rushing my sister 
Elaine? (Bis nods) He's tied up at the Phi Zet 
house, and anyhow I see enough of him at home, 
without living with him. 

Bis. Camps on Elaine's trail pretty steady eh? 

Puck. Steady! He's there eight nights a week. 

Bis. (Interested) Wedding bells? 

Puck. I don't know. (Turns in seat to face 
Bis) Girls are queer cattle. You never know what 
they'll do. Why I've worn grooves in a girl's door 
step, doing the light fantastic up and down them 
so often, and then lost out to a fellow who never 



GRACIE ' 5 

called more than once a month in his life. 

Bis. Does Elaine show any signs of palpitation 
when the door bell rings? 

Puck. Not a palp: but here's the mystery. She 
has a cat fit when the mail man comes, and doesn't 
leave her a letter. She was out west last summer, 
and I figured maybe she met some one out there, 
but I can't find out a thing. If I ask her whether 
she got a letter, she coos "Mind your own business. 
Puck" and then I know the mail man's passed her 
by that day. 

Bis. Humph. 

Puck. / think she's marking time with Dick 
till this other bird comes across with a "Will you 
be mine" epistle. 

Bis. It's queer he hasn't been to see her. 

Puck. Yes. I said to Elaine, "Its a wonder 
that guy does'nt appear and help decorate the land- 
scape around here a little" and she says very in- 
nocently. "WHO?" 

Bis. Can you beat that? 
Door L. c. opens and Ducky bounces in flinging 
off his coat and hat as he slams the door with 
his foot. He is of a type similar to the other 
boys but even more breezy in speech and man- 
ner) 

Ducky. Say fellows. We gotta a nibble for 
our bed and board here. 

Both. {Turning in seats) Who is it? 

Ducky. {Flinging hat on rack) Dunne, but 
Beck over at the Union said just now that a cuc- 
koo had eased in looking for a place to park, and 
he told him ot come over here. 



6 GRACIE 

Bis. Good work! 

Puck. Hope he'll be all right, for we need Tiim — 

Ducky. {Flopping into chair at c.) Say, if 
he's got only one decent suit of clothes and takes 
a bath on Saturday night exclusively, I'll take him 
in with me, for I can't stand the strain of the 
rent alone. I'm only a struggling young lawyer, 
and — (Knock at door l. c.) Maybe that's the fel- 
low now. (Gets up and opens the door on Martin 
who is carrying a suit case is standing in the hall. 
He is an attractive well built fellow about the 
same age as the others. Well, hut not very stylish- 
ly dressed. Wears an overcoat and a soft hat and 
a pair of heavy horn rimmed glasses that give him 
an owlish look. His manner of speaking is very 
positive and bombastic, yet there is a certain dif- 
ference and as though he was forcing himself to 
talk as he does) 

Martin. (Setting dozvn bag on threshold) Is 
this Mr. Evans? 

Puck. (Rising) I'm Evans. 

Martin. (Taking off hat and coming to c.) 
I'm Louie Grace Martin of Sunnyside Arkansas, 
and I'm just the man you're looking for to take 
the room you have vacant. (Boys gasp.) (Ducky 
shuts door on bag and then opens it and hauls bag 
inside and slams the door again and stands be- 
fore it.) (Bis rises) 

Martin. (To Bis) I'm Louie Grace Martin 
of Sunnyside Arkansas and I'm just the man 
you're looking for to — 

Bis. So you said, so you said. Got any refer- 
ences ? 



GRACIE 7 

Martin. (Nonplussed but recovering) Er — well 
— NO certainly NOT. Everyone should stand on 
his own feet. (He says this as tho repeating a les- 
son) You can, or SHOULD be able to sec that 
I'm all right. 

Ducky. Well — the room is fifteen per week 
and half the bed is mine. 

Martin. Ah yes. And you are — 

Ducky. Lane, is my name. Ducky for short. 
' Martin. (Shaking hands) Fm Louie Grace 
Mar 



Ducky. (Grinning) Sure, Gracie. How are 
you. 

Bis and Puck. (Overcome with silent laughs 
ter) Gracie ! ! 

Ducky. Can you stand the 15 dollar tax? 

Martin. Yes, of course. 

Ducky. (Opening his arms) Come to my bo- 
sum ! I'll show you the room. (Hauls the bag 
and Gracie out l.) 

Bis. Say, Ducky — Ducky — 

Ducky. (Re-entering and speaking off) Make 
yourself at home. 

Bis. You don't know a thing about this fellow. 

Puck. Why no — 

Ducky. He says he can pay the fifteen spon- 
doolicks, and he looks clean enough, and he*s going 
to be a riot. Louie Grace Martin of Sunnysid* 
Ark— 

Bis. He's a nut ! 

Ducky. Sure and what is any family circle 
without a little nut in their home ? (Knock at door, 
L. c. Ducky opens it) Hello Dick, howdy. (Dicx 



8 GRACIE 

Lester enters. He is very good looking, in a 
weak sort of way and has a shifty glance and 
manner) 

Bis. {At fire, lighting a cigarette) Hello Dick. 

Puck. (At desk) 'lo Lester. 

Dick. Hello fellows. {Drops into chair) Did 
jrou get an answer to that third "Calc" problem r 

Bis. (At fire) No, and never will. ^ 

Dick. I saw the. "prof" just now and he said 
to tell you fellows that that problem is stated wrong 
tn the book and to let her flicker or ^yords to that 
effdct. (Lights cigarette) 

Bis. (Sits on couch) Well I'll be— 

Dick. I worked on it so long myself that I'm 
dotty, and Oh! say, — what I saw down street just 
now made me more dotty. 

Puck. What's that? 

Dick. As I was rounding the corner of the 
campus, I sighted Elaine. I was hurrying to catch 
up to her when a fellow breezes up and stops her, 
and what do you suppose he said? (None of them 
know) He shouts out. "I'm Louie Grace Martin 
of Sunnyside — (As all laugh) What's the mat- 
ter? 

Ducky. (At table) Not a thing, only he's our 
new room mate. 

Dick. That idiot? 

Ducky. Surest thing you know. 

Dick. (Disgusted) Why he's crazy as a loon 
— 4ie*s got wheels in his head — 

Ducky. Sure, and fifteen bones a week in his 
jeans, that's all I care. 

Puck What then? What about Elaine? 



GRACIE 9 

Dick. I was about to walk up and land him on« 
in the eye when I heard Elaine say, "Lou Martin" — 

Puck. She knew him? 

Dick. Sure. She stood there quite a while talk- 
ing to him, and she said after that she had met 
him in Arkansas last summer — ^the poor soup — 

Bis. {Coming down to table) Arkansas? Say 
Puck— 

Puck. {Disgusted tone) That chump? — Elaine? 
Never, kiddo ! 

Dick. What's that? 

Puck. Oh nothing you know about. 

Dick. Anyhow, he gave her his address — 

Bis. He was darn sure of being taken in, wasnt 
he? 

Dick. I never dreamed he was rooming with 
you fellows. 

Ducky. He's going to lighten many a weary 
hour for us, I can see that now — (Gracie appears 
at door l.) Hello Gracie, come right in.' Graicie, 
our friend Dick Lester — 

Gracie. {Summoning his dignity) I'm LOUIE 
Grace Martin, NOT Gracie. 

Ducky. Here, you are Gracie. 

Bis. Sure, Gracie old dear. Sit down. (Gracib 
sits near Dick at c.) 

Dick. I just met you talking to Elaine Evans. 

Gracie. {Sitting up with an owl like express 
sion) 0\\ yes, very nice girl. Very nice — she*» 
crazy about me. 

All. WHAT? 

Gracie. {Easily) Yes. All the girls are for 
that matter. Of course you really can't blam© 



lo GRACIE 

them. Take a look at me and you will see why. 
Good looking young fellow, snappy dresser, brains 
— sure they all fall. {Boys are overcome with 
laughter, the Puck is not so well pleased and Dick 
is furious) 

Puck. (Drily) Don't let Elaine string you 
along any. Er — Lester has the inside track there. 

Gracie. (After darting a look of sudden alarm 
at Dick, but at once resuming his positive manner) 
What makes you so sure, my dear man? (To 
Puck) 

Puck. (Leaning hack in seat) Elaine happens 
to be my sister so I ought to know. 

Gracie. (With emphatic fore finger) You think 
you know, but you are not on the inside track like 
I am. Miss Evans and I are going to be married 
in June. 

Puck. (Jumping up) WHAT!! 

Dick. The devil you are! (Jumps up.) 

Gracie. She does'nt know it yet of course. — 
(Dick sneers "Oh she does'nt — ") but we are — 

Puck. (Ironically) Cave man stuff eh? 

Gracie. Not at all. Not at all, she just won't 
be able to resist me. She is mine now! 

Ducky. (Offering him a cigarette zvith a grin) 
Say smoke up. 

Gracie. (First refusing and then taking the 
cigarette) No — thanks, er yes I will. (Positively) 
What you think you can, you can. (Lights it gin- 
gerly and seems nezv at smoking it) 

Bis. (Tapping forehead) Nobody home (Knock 
at door.) Ducky goes up and opens it, and dis- 
closes Dud Elliott. Tall well built, well dressed 
chap, older than the others, and zvith a more quiet 



GRACIE , II 

business-like air than the rest.) 

Ducky. DUD ! {Hauls him into the room, bag 
and all that Dud carries) {All rise delighted) 

Bis. {Embracing him while Puck seises one 
hand) Its old Dud— 

Puck. {Overjoyed) Well, well old fellow. 
How' are you? 

DuD. Fine, fine. How's everybody? Hello 
Ducky. 

Ducky. Where did you come from (Dick and 
Gracie stand back, silent) 

Dud. I'm here on a little business. Can you 
put me up for the night? 

Puck. Sure, there's the davenport. 

Bis. Meet Dick Lester. Mr. Elliott. Dud's our 
old room mate, Dick graduated from school and 
into matrimony last June. How's Elsie, Dud? 
(Dud shakes hands with Dick) 

Dud. She's fine. And how's Elaine, Puck? 

Puck. All right. Mother and she are here this 
winter. 

Dud. Your hands are full then looking after 
her, are'nt they? How's Lady Clayton? 

Puck. He couldn't come back this year — 

Dud. I was afraid he wouldn't be able to make 
the grade. Too bad. Who's here with you in his 
place. 

Ducky. Oh pardon ME, our new "lodger," 
Gracie Martin, Mr. Elliott.. 

Gracie. I'm Louie Grace Martin of Simn3rside 
Arkansas — 

Dud. {Shaking hands) Well, you're Gracie to 
me if the fellows say so. 



12 GRACIE 

Gracie. Its all right. I knew you'd be impres- 
sed with me. (Dud looks startled, and the others 
chuckle. Puck sitting on desk taps a significant 
finger on his head. Dud amused comes down and 
sits at desk. Bis seats himself at table. Gracie 
sits at c. near Dick and Ducky sprawls on couch 
at fire.) 

Ducky. (Leading Gracie on, as all light pipes 
or cigarettes) So all the girls are crazy about you, 
eh Gracie? 

Gracie. Yes. You see, they like a masterful 
man — 

Bis. Drag 'em out by the hair stuff — 

Gracie. Sort of — 

Dud. You're way off. Take it from me. I'm 
a meek married man. I know ! A woman likes to 
be babied — 

Gracie. AFTERWARDS perhaps, my good 
man, but not before marriage. No sir my method 
never fails. I go up to a girl and I say "I'm your 
affinity" and right off she believes it. Of course 
you have to have looks and brains and er — brawn 
— (rises to let Dud feel his arm.) Bis and Ducky 
are overcome. Dick disgusted) 

Dud. (Stifling his laughter) Regular little 
Hercules, I'll say. 

Gracie. (Returning to his seat and speaking as 
ihp repeating a lesson) What you think you can, 
you can. I made up my mind I'd have a perfect 
physique. (Ducky and Bis explode) (Gracie 
looks at them inquiringly and proceeds) And so 
you see, I have it. 

Puck. (Laughing) Made up your mind to be 
a lady killer too, I suppose. 



GRACIE 13 

Gracie. Well yes — no, NO, I was bom one. 
You don't see a fellow with my looks very often — 

Dick. And nerve — don't leave out the nerve. 

Ducky. You're some press agent, old top. 

Gracie. (Quoting in a sepulchral tone) "He 
who tooteth not his own horn shall not have the 
same tooted — 

Bis> Quotations from the Police Gazette, Eh? 

PucKY. I can stand no more! Come on Gra- 
(Cie, let's go and decide on the drawers you want 
in the dresser, and see those you'll get — (Hauls 
Gracie out l. by the arm.) 

Gracie. (Protesting) But I want to tell Dud 
Elliott about the girl in — 

Dud. I'll live without hearing it — 

Ducky. Come on. (Exit L.) 

Dick. The man's an ass. 

Puck. (Getting off desk) He's a riot tho — 
(Ducky re-enters) 

Dud. Gosh, what a goat he is going to be around 
here — lets walk down the street, want to? I want 
to see the fellows. 

Bis. (Rising) Sure — 

Dud. (Drawing roll of bills from pocket) Won- 
der if I can stow this away any place. Its com- 
pany money and I don't want to get my pockets 
picked — (Gracie appears at door l. wiping hands 
on a towel) 

Puck. Sling it in the desk. Nobody'II touch it 
there. (Dud opens drawer of desk, puts in the 
money, and shuts the drawer. Gracie exits l. 
again. Puck begins to get into his overcoat that 
he takes from rack) 

Bis. (Exits r.) Come on in here Dud, and see 



14 GRACIE 

5ome of the Aeroplane stuff I picked up — (Dud 
exits R.) 

Puck. (Hunting in pockets of overcoat) Where 
the deuce are my gloves. (Exit r. also) 

Ducky. (Putting on coat from rack) Who's 
your room mate this year, Dick. 

Dick. Pete Landis. Why? 

Ducky. Just wondered. 

Bis. (Off right) Duck, come here— (Phone 
rings) 

Ducky. (Calling) Just a second. (In phone) 
Hello. Yep. Hello Pete. Yeah, he's here, just a 
minute — (To Dick) That's funny. We were 
just talking about him and here he is on the phone. 
Its Pete Landis, wants to talk to you — (Exits R.) 

Dick. (Sitting at desk) Hello. Yes. How's 
that? Harry? (Seems alarmed) What's he say? 
(Anxiously) All right, put him on. (Waits) Yes, 
Harry? (Low tone and looks about to be sure no 
one is listening) Oh, now look here Harry, I 
can't get any money this afternoon. I'm broke I 
tell you — My God Harry, don't begin talking about 
any warrents — I'll pay you — some way, honest — 
Give me till tomorrow — will you, PLEASE — V\h 
see you first thing in the morning, honest — ^^all 
right. (Hands up) Gosh!! (Looks very upset and 
fumbles nervously. Voices of the boys are heard 
off R. There is a knock at the door l. c. and Dick 
goes and opens it. Receives a stack of letters and 
magazines. Comes back and throws them on the 
desk and stands looking terribly worried. Mutters 
"Damn it" under his breath. Begins to idly turn 
letters over when one strikes his eye and he picks 
it up, looks at it, seems to recognise the handwrit- 



GRACIE 15 

ing, and after a second's hesitancy, carefully opens 
the envelope and reads the letter. Looks startled 
and then furious and is about to replace it in eiu 
velope zvhen Gracie enters l. and the boys, with 
the exception of Puck, enter r. Hastily tearing 
the envelope once across, Dick drops it in the waste 
basket, and turns calmly as the boys stop, looking 
somewhat surprised at seeing him handling their 
moU. Gracie goes to couch and sits.) 

Dick. Here's the mail, and er— here's one for 
me. 

Bis. How'd it come here? 

Dick. Oh the mailman gave it to me when I 
took yours in. Its from — Elaine. 

Bis. (Surprised) Elaine? (Dud gets into coat 
that he takes from rack and looks for his hat. 
Gracie looks up suddenly) What's she got to 
sa}' ? 

Dick. (Easily, now) Oh — not much. We had 
sort of a — row, and she wants to square it. Says 
she really cares — if you know. Can't let you see 
it. 

Bis. (Decidedly) Certainly not. (Puck en- 
ters R. Dick stuffs letter in his pocket. Gracie on 
coxich, picks at pillow and seems sunk in a bitter 
reverie that he suddenly forces himself to come 
out of) 

Gracie. (Firm voice) Nevertheless, all the 
girls are wild over me. 

Bis. So you said. So you said. 

Gracie. Elaine is crazy about me too. 

Dick. (Viciously) Is she? Well. Just read 
that. (He crosses over to Gracie and thrusts let- 
ter under his nose) Read that. (Gracie does so 



i6 GRACIE 

and turns away silently) Satisfied? (With a sneer 
at Gracie) 

Puck. What's that? 

Dick. A letter from Elaine. I don't generally 
do a thing like this, Putk, but this poor simp makes 
me sick with his boasting. 

Dud. Well, come on, lets get started. (He seems 
ill pleased at Dick's Xiction. Puck looks doubtful 
also but dismisses it zvith a shrug) 

Puck. Come on fellows. 

Ducky. I'll go as far as the corner with you. 
Coming, Gracie? 

Gracie. NO. 

Dick. I want to look over your "Chem" notes 
Bis, if you don't mind. 

Bis. Sure. (All go out l. c. and close door.) 

Dick. (With a little laugh goes to desk and sits 
to look at booklet, but turns with a sneer to Gra- 
cie) Not so cocksure now, are you? 

Gracie. (As tho forcing it) Why I'm a great 
man. I'm a clever man, I'm a good looking man, 
I'm a— 

Dick. (Nose in book) FOOL!! 

Gracie. (Somewhat halfheartedly gesticulating 
to himself, rises and crosses to c.) All the girls 
are in love with ME. I know it. I KNOW it. 
(Exits L.) 

Dick. (Leatiing back in seat) Crazy as a loon. 
(Begins to study again but ds if remembering, he 
looks worried, shoves hands in pockets, and the:t 
unable to keep still walks the floor. Throws him- 
"self into chair at desk. Pounds softly on desk zvith 
his fist and begins to pull at knob of drawer. Sud- 
denly a thought comes to him, and after glancing 



GRACIE 17 

around he pulls open the drawer, takes out the 
money and looks at it irresolutely. Then counts 
it rapidly. Gracie entering l. looking very dole- 
ful, all his confident manner gone, and minus his 
glasses, stops short amazed. Dick, not hearing 
him finishes counting^ holds the money a moment 
decides to take it all and stuffs it in his pocket.^ 
Neither see Ducky who entering l. c. stops short 
at sight and then looking very grim, silently with- 
draws again Dick suddenly intuitive turns 
swiftly in his seat, but Gracie, whistling softly 
crosses to couch. Dick, panic-stricken, pulls book 
to him and bends his head over it, but at Gracie'j 
remark he relaxes, sure that Gracie has seen noth- 
ing) 

Gracie. (Looking at him shrewdly but resum- 
ing his bombastic tone.) You know, it TAKES a 
big man like me to win a girl. 

Dick. Oh sure — sure, {Heaves a sigh of re- 
lief. Hearing the voices of the returning boys he 
rises and saunters to table with his book where he 
sits. Bis, Dud, and Puck reenter l. c.) 

Dud. I'll have to get a little more cash if I'M 
going to play any pool with you Puck. I know you 
of old. (Boys laugh Dick stiffens in seat as 
Dud approaches the desk) (Gracie suddenly alert 
comes dozvn to table) Bis and Puck stand at l. 
c. with Dud.) 

Dud. Last time I played pool with Puck, I 
walked home. Now I'm out for revenge. 

Bis. You'll have to hump to get it. Puck's a 
wizard with the cue — why Harry's says Puck's 
the best — (They talk) 

Gracie. (Grabbing Dick by the shoulder, and 



1 8 GRACIE 

speaking in a fierce undertone) Hand over that 
money. (Dick is about to protest that he hasn't 
it but at Gracie's stern face, 'and scared to death, 
he hands out the roll and Gracie puts it in his own 
pockets. As Dick pulls out roll of bills^ the letter 
falls unnoticed to the floor. Gracie saunters to 
window. This is taken very fast) 

Dud. (Going to desk and pulling open the dra- 
wer) I'll put up a ten spot anyhow, and if I lose 
that I'll call it a day. (Looks for money, cannot 
find it, straightens up and a peculiar look' comes 
to his face Dick zvatches furtively) 

Bis. (Noticing) What's the matter Dud? 
(Puck turns) 

DiTD. The money, fellows — Did'nt I put it in 
herr>? 

Puck. Yes. 

DuD. Then it's gone. 

Puck. (Coming doivn) Gone? You don't 
mean it. 

Bts. (Hurrying forward to look) It must be 
there some place. 

Dick. (Suddenly realising that he must show 
concern) What is the matter? Lost anything? 

Dud. (Perturbed) Yes, the roll of bills I stuck 
in here. 

Dick. (After a srvift nlance at Gracie rvho is 
lookmq out of the window, and rising to ioin in 
the hunt) For Pete's sake! Was it much? 

DuT). (Turning out drawer) A couple of hund- 
red, that's all. hut it was'nt my money — 

Bis. It is'nt here, that's sure. 

Dud. I could'nt have put it in here, T guess. 

Puck. But you did. I saw you. 



GRACIE 19 

Dud. (Hastily) Then its gone. Let's forget 
it. (Goes up) 

Puck. (Pounding on desk) Not on your life. 
'You put that money in there, and its not here now. 
I hate to say it, but some one of US have taken it. 
Pellows — (He turns out his own pockets on desk) 

Dud. (Returning hastily) No — no, Puck not 
that — I — I don't want to know— I don't want to 
find it that way — let it go. I'll get a check cashed 
— let it go. 

Bis. No sir. If one of us is a thief we want to 
know it. (Turns out his own pockets) It ain't 
little Bis. (He and Puck slowly replace the con- 
tents of their pockets.) 

Dick, (Swiftly turning out his pockets) Say, 
this is the limit. (All turn to Gracie who with 
back to them stands motionless at window.) 

Bis. Gracie: — Its only a matter of form but — 

Gracie. (Without turning) No. I don't turn 
out my pockets for anyone. 

Puck. (Starting furiously) Look here Martin 
— this is serious (Ducky enters, stops short and 
realising what is wrong, closes door after him and 
stands in front of it. Looks at Dick then at 
Gracie surprised and then asks casually) What's 
wrong ? 

Puck. The money that Dud put in that desk is 
gone. We have all turned out our pockets, volun- 
tarily, but Martin refuses. 

Ducky. Martin? (Looks again at Dick who 
fumbling at book does not see it) Well, come on 
Gracie, turn em out. 

Gracie. (Doggedly) No. 

Puck. Then there is only one construction we 



20 GRACIE 

can place on your refusal. Hand over that money 
or we'll make you. (Starts for him but Ducky 
catches his arm and says "Steady") 

Gracie. (Back to window now) No. 

Puck. (As Ducky restrains him and Dud calls 
*Tuck") Give me that money. 

Gracie. I didn't take it. 

Bis. Then why don't you turn out your pockets? 

Gracie. My word ought to be good. 

Ducky. They don't know you, Gracie. Turn 
em out. ' 

Gracie. No, I said. 

Puck. (Grabbing him) look here. (Bis joins 
him, tho Dud tries to stop them, and they scuffle. 
Gracie breaks away and darts for the door, but 
Dud is ahead of him and bars the way, and Bis and 
Puck searching his packets, haul out the money.) 
Gracie breathing hard turns and goes to book- 
case where he stands with his back to the room) 
There is a little silence. Ducky puzzled looks 
from Dick to Gracie) 

Bis. So you're a icrook as well as a boasting 
fool. 

Puck. (Furious) I'll give you just two min- 
utes to pack your traps and get out, before we 
throw you out. (Gracie does not move and Puck 
starts for him but Ducky moves and Puck starts 
for him but Ducky steps forward) 

Ducky. Wait, Puck. I don't know what motive 
this chap has for assuming the guilt of somebody 
else., (Dick starts) but I want to saw now, that 
Martin did'nt take the money. 

Puck. (Unbelieving) He did'nt? 

Bis. He had it in his pocket, Ducky — 



GRACIE 21 

Ducky. Yes, but he did'nt take it. I came in 
just as the man who IS the thief was taking the 
money from the drawer. (Dick looks terror- 
stricken) Evidently he is a coward as well as a 
crook, for he seems to be willing that an innocent 
man be blamed for it. He does'nt deserve any 
consideration, but for old times sake I'll give him 
a little. Is that O. K. with you, fellows? (All 
agree, still mystified, none having noticed Dick) 
All right. Walk out of this door, NOW, and never 
show your face around here again (Gracie is 
about to protest, hut Dick, suddenly dropping his 
head, walks swiftly out past the astonished hoys 
and out the door that Ducky is holding open. 
Ducky slams it on him) 

Gracie. I — I took it — I 

Puck. Dick? Good God. 

Ducky. {Turning on Gracie as he is about to 
protest again) I don't know why you want to 
take this on your own shoulders, Martin, but it 
won't go, I saw him take it, and I saw you there in 
that door. (Gracie turns and hides face on hook- 
case) Are you crazy Martin? What's Lester ta 
you? 

Bis. Did you know him before? (Gracie 
shakes head) Well I'll be — 

Dud. I think we owe Martin ao apology. 

Puck. (Going over and holding out his hand. 
Put it there, Martin. I'm sorry. (They shake 
hands silently) 

Bis. (Going over- to him) I'm sorry too, old 
top, but Gee, appearances were all against you — 
you can realize that. (Gracie nods as he shakes 
hands. ) 



22 GRACIE 

Puck. (Flumping into chair at d^sk) That 
dirty little hound and calling on my sister — {Kicks 
savagely at waste basket and turns it over. Bis 
at table ^ hands in pocket) 

Dud. What possessed you to take the blame — 

Puck. MY sister — (Stops furious) 

Gracie. (Coming slozvly down l. ) That's just 
it, Puck, I — Your sister cares for him — she never 
would have written a letter like that if she did'nt. 
Its going to make her awfully unhappy. (Puck 
sits hunched in his chair. Dud and Ducky at c.) 
There must have been a mighty good reason for 
him doing that. He got short of money or — 
something. You never know what's back of a 
thing like that. He's d nice fellow — 

Bis. Standing there and letting you take the 
blame. He's a Hell of a nice fellow, Fll say. 

Gracie. I just told him to give ME the money. 
1 saw him take it, as Ducky said. I figured you 
need never know he'd slipped up a bit, and Elaine 
— (He stops, choked) Elaine would'nt know either. 

Puck. But, Martin, what's the idea? 

Gracie. I might as well tell you the whole thing. 
I'm, I'm dead in love with Elaine, see, and have 
been ev^r since I met her out west last summer, 
Tint Gosh, I never had a chance. I tried awful hard 
and all that — but — you see she was always saying 
I was too bashful and did'nt think well enough of 
tnyself, and she said I ought to dance and take ex- 
ercises to get bigger.— After she went home, I got 
hold of one of those "YOU CAN WIN" Mag- 
azines. It said all you have to do is to "hold the 
right thought. Act like the person you want to be 
like. Act it all the time: say it out loud, all the 



GRACIE 23 

time, real positive. (Boys look comprehending) 

Ducky. Gosh. 

Gracie. It says to PRETEND to be the kind 
of a person you want to be, and — pretty soon you 
will be that person yourself, I wanted to have 
Elaine in love with me, so I pretended all the time 
that she was, and I thought it might make it stronger 
if I said other girls were too, see? I took exercises 
and learned to dance, and it DID do me lots of 
good — and I wrote her letters just like I'd have 
written them if I'd really been the a bang up kind 
of a fellow. Oh Lord, you'll all think I am a fool. 
(Turns and goes up.) 

Dud. (Quietly) We think you're O. K. that's 
what zve think. 

Bis and Ducky. You bet! 

(During what follows Bis sees letter that Dick 
dropped, on the floor, stoops, picks it up and 
beckons to Ducky who looks at it over his 
shoulder) 

Puck. Well, what about the rest, Martin? 

Gracie. (Returns slowly) Oh, I just came here 
to school, and I thought, when I saw her on the 
street she was sort of impressed, for I do look bet- 
ter. I was scared to death tho, and I could hardly 
do it, but I made the grade. I went right up and 
I said I'M Louie Grace Mar — Oh yes, the maga- 
zine said to always state your name, positively, 
everything must bfe positive, nothing negative — 
state your name right off for it helps to impress 
your personality on the new acquaintance. Well, 
then I said to Elaine. "I'm not bashful. I'm a 



^ GRACIE 

big strong man, and I'm here to marry ywu — {Boys 
are amused) I did'nt say June — to her, but I did 
to you fellows. Well she seemed sort of impressed, 
and I said to myself "The system is working." Its 
all right. But it is'nt, it is all wrong, for Lester ^ 
the one she cares for — the letter she wrote — 

Bis. Here's the letter itself, Puck, Lester must 
have dropped it. 

Puck. (Taking it angrily) Give it here. That 
icrook will never see it, or Elaine, either. (He is 
about to tear it up when he catches sight of the 
basket and as he straightens it up to receive the 
torn letter, he catches sight of the envelope torn 
once across. He picks it up with an exclamation, 
and compares them^ sees the address. .Both letter 
and envelope are pink and the same. He glances 
with a little smile at Gracie who hands in pockets 
is gazing miserably at his own feet.) 

Dud. And so to save the man you think she 
cares for, you would let yourself be branded as a 
thief? 

Gracie. Why yes. That's all right. I'll be 
going away anyhow. I could'nt ever stay and 
see another man get her. Now, she's going to be 
unhappy, and I can't help her. Puck, can't you 
forget this. Gee, we all have our temptations. We 
are no angels. Listen just made one bad step — it 
was only once. 

Ducky. He took that money, Martin, so that 
he could make a bad check good. 

Bis. How do you know? 

Ducky. He's over at Harry's pretty regular 
and I got a hunch that maybe he owed Harry 
some money. Harry's a mean cuss that way, and 



GRACIE 25 

so I called Harry up. He thought I was trying to 
fix things for Lester, I guess, for I did'nt ask a 
thing. He roared at me right off the bat — "If he 
does not make that check good by tomorrow morn- 
ing he goes to jail He's nothing but a little rat 
anyhow, and I'm done fooling." (Waves his 
hands) There you are. 

Gracie. Good God! Elaine, what will she do — 

Puck. (Smiling) I don't think she'll care as 
much as you think. Martin, Its white of you to 
try to help him, but its no go, for he's a triple thief. 
He gave Harry a bad check, he stole from Dud to 
cover it up, and he stole from you, Martin. 

Gracie. From me? (Dud looks over Puck's 
shoulder.) 

Puck. Yes for that letter was'nt for him at 
all, it was for you — (Gracie looks uncomprehend- 
ing) 

Puck. Here's the envelope, addressed in Elaine's 
handwriting, same paper as the envelope, and the 
letter was for you. (Gracie is overcome) Just 
to prove to you fellows beyond a sneaking doubt 
you might have that Elaine does not care for Les- 
ter and never did, I'm going to read you this — 
There is no heading, that's why Lester got away 
with it. (Reads from letter) "When I met you 
today I knew that I had been very wrong, for you 
have become all you said you had. Fine and strong 
and forceful and true. (Gracie says "Gosh") T 
did'nt realize it before, but I do now. I love you — 
and well, come over tonight — will you dear? Elaine" 
(Gracie in a transport of joy grabs the letter and 
reads it) 



26 GRACIE 

Gracie. Oh Gosh! fellows, I can't believe it. 
I— 

Dud. (Shaking his hand) Put it here, old fel- 
low. (Bis and Ducky crowd around him but he 
pushes them all aside and grabs telephone hooky 
hunts frantically for number — 

Gracie. Oh what's the number. Puck, what's 
Elaine's number? 

Puck. 218. 

Gracie. {Wildly) {in phone) 218. {Rattles 
receiver) Oh Lord! 218. Yes, yes and make it 
snappy — Hello is Mrs. Mar — er — er El— er — er 
Miss Evans there? (Bis at r. c. Dud at c. back 
of desk. Puck at r. of desk strokes chin thought- 
fully and eyes the excited Gracie) 

Gracie. Hello, hello, Elaine? DARLING, it's, 
its — Lou — Lou — yes. I got your note and will you 
marry me in June — no, make it sooner, March — 
January. Make it tomorrow — or next week. Next 
week? Oh no, not next month — {pause) Well, 
all right next month sure — and I'm coming right 
over — {Hangs up) {Rushes to hat rack, grabs a 
hat much too small and is about to dash out when 
Puck stops him.) 

Puck. Wait a minute, Martin. {He stops') 
We all know you're a mighty good scout, but 
Elaine has'nt any father, and before I let her be 
swept oflF her feet with this whirlwind stuff, I 
want to ask you a few questions — 

Gracie. {A little sobered) Well — 

Puck. Its up to me to see that she marries a 
man that can support her — 

Gracie. That's all right. I've got a lot of 



GRACIE 27 

money — (Bis gives a whistle) 

Puck. Well that is not all. I want to know 
what sort of standing you and your family have 
where you come from. What and who you are — ■ 
you understand — 

Gracie. {As Dud nods approval) Sure, I 
Ifuess that will be all right too. I'm Louie Grace — 

Bis and Ducky. {Grinning while Dud laughs) 
SO YOU SAID!! 

Gracie. — and I guess our standing will suit 
you. My dad's James H. Martin and he's the Gov- 
ernor of Arkansas. {All look overcome) 

Puck. {Aghast) Governor— YE GODS ! {Sinks 
into chair at desk) 

Gracie. {Starting out once more) And say 
Ducky, while I'm gone, call up that fellow down at 
the news-stand and tell him to enter my name for 
a LIFE subscription to that "YOU CAN WIN" 
magazine, for believe me, "HE'S GOT THE 
RIGHT DOPE!! 

{Jams on too small hat and dashes out l. c. while 
boys fall info their seats with a whoop.) 

-:- Curtain -:- 

This play must be acted snappily and not allowed 
to drag and the actors should be young men who 
can catch the spirit of the college boy and enter 
into it. 



/ 



THE REJUVENATION OF AUNT MARY. 

The famous comedy in three acts, by Anne Warner. 7 males, 6 
females. Three interior scenes. Costumes modern. Plays 2% hours. 

This is a genuinely funny comedy with splendid parts for "Aunt 
Mary," "Jack," her lively nephew; "Lucinda," a New England an- 
cient maid of all work; "Jack's" three chums; the Girl "Jack" loves; 
"Joshua," Aunt Mary's hired man, etc. 

"Aunt Mary" was played by May Robson in New York and on tour 
for over two years, and it is sure to be a big success wherever pro- 
duced. We strongly recommend it. Price, 60 Cents. 



MRS. BUMSTEAD-LEIGH. 

A pleasing comedy, in three acts, by Harry James Smith, author of 
"The Tailor-Made Man." 6 males, 6 females. One interior scene. 
Costumes modern. Plays 2J4 hours. 

Mr. Smith chose for his initial comedy the .jcomplications arising 
from the endeavors of a social climber to land herself in the altitude 
peopled by hyphenated names — a theme permitting innumerable com- 
plications, according to the spirit of the writer. 

This most successful comedy was toured for several seasons by Mrs. 
Fiske with enormous success. Price, 60 Cents. 



MRS. TEMPLE'S TELEGRAM. 

A most successful farce in three acts, by Frank Wyatt and Wil- 
liam Morris. 5 males, 4 females. One interior scene stands through- 
out the three acts. Costumes modern. Plays 2 J/; hours. 

"Mrs. Temple's Telegram" is a sprightly farce in which there is 
an abundance of fun without any taint of impropriety or any ele- 
ment of offence. As noticed by Sir Walter Scott, "Oh, what a 
tangled web we v/eave wlien first we practice to deceive." 

There is not a dull moment in the entire farce, and from the time 
the curtain rises until it makes the final drop the fun is fast and 
furious. A very exceptional farce. Price, 60 Cents. 



THE NEW CO-ED. 

A comedy in four acts, by Marie Doran, author of "Tempest and 
Sunshine," etc. Characters, 4 males, 7 females, though any number 
of boys and girls can be introduced in the action of the play. One 
interior and one exterior scene, but can be easily played in one inte- 
rior scene. Costumes modern. Time, about 2 hours. 

The theme of this play is the coming of a new student to the col- 
lege, her reception by the scholars, her trials and final triumph. 

There are three especially good girls' parts, Letty, Madge and 
Estelle, but the others have plenty to do. "Pufich" Doolittle and 
George Washington Watts, a gentleman of color, are two particularly 
good comedy characters. We can strongly recommend "The New 
Co-Ed" to high schools and amateurs. Price, 30 Cents. 

(The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 
SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street. New York City 

New and Explicit Descriprive Catalogue Mailed Free on Request 



mmmm 

016 102 450 8 

The Return of Hi Jinks 

A comedy in four acts, by Marion Short, author of "The Varsity 
Coach." "'The TouchDown." etc. 6 males, 8 females. . Costumes 
modern. One interior scene. 

This comedy is founded upon and elaborated from a farce comedy 
in two acts written by J. H. Horta, and originally produced at Tuft's 
College. 

Hiram Poynter Jinks, a Junior in Hoosic College (Willie Collier 
type), and a young moving picture actress (Mary Pickford type), are 
the leading characters in this lively, modern farce. 

Thomas Hodge, a Senior, envious of the popularity of Jinks, wishes 
to think up a scheme to throw ridicule upon him during a visit of 
the Hoosic Glee Club to Jinks's home town. Jihks has obligingly acted 
as a one-day substitute in a moving picture play, in which there is a 
fire scene, and this gives Hodge his cue. He sends, \yhat seems to 
be a bona fide account of Jink's heroism at a Hoosic fire to Jink's 
home paper. Instead of repudiating his laurels as expected. Jinks 
decides to take a flyer in fame, confirms the fake story, confesses to 
being a hero and is adored by all the girls, to the chagrin and dis- 
comfiture of Hodge. Of course, the truth eomes out at last, but 
Jinks is not hurt thereby, and his: romance with Mimi Mayflower 
comes to a successful termination. 

This is a great comedy for amateurs. It is full of funny situations 
and is sure to please. Price, 30 Cents. 



J 



une 

A most successful comedy-drama in four acts, by Marie Doran, 
authoV of "The New Co-Ed.'' "Tempest and Sunshine," "Dorothy's 
Neighbors," etc. 4 males, 8 females. One interior scene. Costumes 
modern. Plays 2J4 hours. 

This play has a very interesting group of young people. June is 
an appealing little figure, an orphan living with ht-r aunt. There are 
a number of delightful, life-like characters: the sorely tried likeable 
Mrs. Hopkins, tlie amusing, haughty M;ss Banks of the glove depart- 
ment, the lively Tilly and MiUy, who work in the store, and ambitiou.s 
Snoozer; Mrs. Hopkins's only son, who aspires to be President of the 
United States, but finds his real sphere is running the local trolley 
car. The play is simplicity itself in the telling of an every-day story, 
and the scenic requirements call for only one set, a room in the 
boarding house of Mrs. Hopkins, while an opportunity is afforded to 
introduce any number of. extra characters. Musical numbers may be 
introduced, if desired. Price, 30 Cents. 

Tempest and Sunshine 

A comedy drama m fo/ur acts, by Marie Doran. 5 males and i 
females. One exterior and thiec interior scenes. Plays about 2 hours 

Every school girl has revelled in the sweet simplicity and gentle 
ness of the characters interwoven in the charms that Mary J. Hcliiie.? 
command" in her story of "Tempest and Sunshine." VV'e' can strun.^ly 
recommend this play as one of the best plays for high school pro 
duction published in recent years. Price, 3U Cents. 

(The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 
SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 \\ est 3Stli Street, New York City 

New and Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free en Reque.s 



